Disclaimer: See Chapter 1

Author's Note: Many thanks to those who reviewed the previous Chapters. I hope you enjoy Chapter 3.

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Chapter 3

There were a few people scattered around enjoying lunch when Walker and Trivette arrived at C.D.'s just after noon. They went to the two tables pushed together near the bar that had become the regular spot for the group of friends. There they saw Gage, Syd, and Max talking quietly. Sam stared at the floor and swirled around the ice in a chocolate-milk colored drink, lost in thought.

"Sam, are you okay?" asked Jimmy.

She looked up at him and gave a half-hearted smile. "I'll survive." Syd reached across the table and gave her hand a comforting squeeze.

"Iced mocha?" Jimmy further queried.

"Yes, sir," she replied as she looked back down at the floor.

Walker took a seat on Sam's left and looked across the table at Gage, who Jimmy sat to the right of. Soon a server came over and asked if anyone wanted to order. Everyone selected something, except Sam.

"You need to eat, Sam," Sydney stated, her voice full of concern.

"I'm not hungry." Sam's face was a mask. No one could tell what she was thinking.

"So what happened?" asked Walker as his eyes traveled from Gage, who was across from him, in a semi-circle to Syd, then Max, finally resting on Sam. Sam grimaced, then stood up and went to the pool table, quickly racking the balls and grabbing her cue to start a game. Gage began explaining what he knew from the time he answered his phone, with Syd and Max chiming in on occasion.

"This man is dangerous, Boss," Gage finished. "You should have seen his face. He would have killed her, and Max, too, if we hadn't been here."

Walker nodded slowly as his eyes traveled to where Sam was. He stood up and started toward her.

"So let me get this straight," Jimmy addressed his question to Max with a huge grin, "you planted a big kiss on Sam, just to make Granger jealous?"

"I think I'll have Tom make me one of these mochas," deflected Max with a red face as he stood up and approached the bartender, who also managed C.D.'s for Sam, ignoring the suppressed laughs coming from his friends.

"Sam," Walker spoke quietly as he approached her, "I need to know your side of this."

She stayed quiet for a few moments, her focus on the shot she was taking. Then she looked up at him and calmly relayed the events of that afternoon. "Not many people can scare me, Walker, but he always has. He maintains an eerily calm exterior, but his eyes show viciousness just waiting to erupt."

"I know this sounds pat," Walker continued, "but we will get him. We just need to tie him to the crimes we're sure he's committed, and this will all be over."

"Can't I just shoot him?" she returned only half mockingly.

Walker smiled and chuckled. "That does seem like the easy way out," he began, then in a more serious tone he went on, "but taking a life is never an easy solution. It stays with you forever. It should always be a last resort."

"I know," Sam finished with a nod. "My daddy made sure we all understood that." She turned back to her game.

"How about I let Sydney take the next few days off?" queried Walker. "That way you won't have to be alone."

Sam turned back to him and smiled wryly before answering with, "Is this your way of assigning me protection? Because Syd's not actually supposed to be doing that on restricted duty."

Walker nodded with a serious look before saying, "That's true. Maybe I should just assign Max to you."

Sam turned bright red and immediately focused on the pool table as she responded, "Syd might like a few days off. I know Gage wanted her to get Wednesday off."

Walker grinned. "Consider it done. Now will you please join us for lunch?"

She made one last shot, and then they returned to the table. Sam told the server what she wanted and their food was brought in short order.

"Sam," Walker asked, "does Granger know how to fight?"

"Well twelve years ago he couldn't fend off three of my older brothers," she answered. "His skills may have improved since then. I don't know for sure."

"I want you to come back to headquarters with us," he continued. "I want to show you some evasive and escape moves, just in case."

"Alright," Sam went on. "Would it be okay if I used the firing range while I'm there?"

"Sure," replied Walker. "Just have Sydney go with you." Walker went on to tell Syd she would have the next few days free to be with Sam. They finished lunch and Sam left her bike parked in the alley behind C.D.'s to ride back to headquarters with Gage, Syd, and Max. They told Walker they would be along after Sam picked up a change of clothes and some spare ammo from Syd's house.

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Toby sped along the LBJ freeway in a big loop around Dallas, whipping in and out of traffic, hoping to drive off some of his pent up emotions. He was so consumed with his thoughts that he was oblivious to the tan sedan that was always with him. He could not erase from his mind the picture of Sam kissing Max. That embrace contained everything he wanted from her and knew intuitively he would never get. She was happy with that man, she reciprocated his feelings, and she wasn't just willing, she desired to be with him. Toby saw it in her eyes. He cursed and slammed his hand against the steering wheel. The adrenalin coursing through his system was craving an outlet that sitting in the car didn't afford. He decided to head for the gym.

As the Ranger saw Toby park outside the gym, he called dispatch to inform them of where they were and that he was going in anonymously. He then asked for someone to come and relieve him of the tail in case Granger got suspicious. After he received an affirmative response, he grabbed a gym bag from his car and went inside. He cautiously watched Toby use the free weights, and then begin taking out frustration on the punching bag. After two hours, they hit the showers. Then the Ranger watched Toby leave. Toby never noticed the black Jeep begin to follow him.

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Once they had returned to Ranger headquarters, Sydney arranged for Sam to borrow a spare locker in the women's locker room. After they had changed into workout clothes they made their way to the gym. Walker, who had sent the guys to the office to continue working the case, was waiting for them next to the ring. Sam joined him there, while Syd went to the machines to get in the strengthening exercises her physical therapist had prescribed. Walker helped Sam put on the protective gear before beginning his instructions.

"Have you done any fighting before?" Walker questioned Sam as they climbed into the ring.

"I have four older brothers," she replied. "They taught me a lot, but they were also usually there to make sure I didn't have to use it."

"I'm going to show you some basic moves to help you get away from someone," Walker continued. He then began to show her how to use her opponent's body weight and momentum against them in throws and evasive maneuvers, as well as teaching her about some pressure points. An hour later they finished up and headed for the locker rooms. After they had changed, Syd took Sam to the firing range for some target practice.

"I know you've handled weapons your whole life," said Sydney as they dawned their hearing and eye protection, "so I'm guessing you're a pretty good shot."

"I'm sure I can't compare to someone whose ability to shoot well is imperative in their profession," responded Sam. "But I do alright."

As the women prepared their weapons, Syd examined Sam's. It was a compact, low profile .45, designed for concealed carry. She also noticed the black, custom grip it had been fitted with. "Sam, this is a laser sight, isn't it?"

"Yes," she answered. "It complements the regular sights for that extra assurance of shot placement."

They took position in adjoining lanes and set up their targets. Each began by firing off a few test rounds to check sight alignment. Then they went through several rounds for the practice. Both ladies were impressed at the skill of the other. When they had finished at the range they decided to go upstairs to check on the guys.

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The Ranger in the black jeep parked across the street from the collection of warehouses that the red truck had stopped in front of. He sat for a moment and observed Granger leave his truck and enter the smallest building. Then he called in his position, informing dispatch of his activities and requesting a relief tail, before he left his vehicle and stealthily crossed the street. Approaching carefully, he made his way up exterior stairs to a narrow, flat rooftop, and then positioned himself next to an open ventilation window. As he peered through to the floor below him, he saw where Granger and Palmer were talking and listened to their conversation.

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Toby parked outside the warehouse and went inside. As soon as Greg saw him, he knew that his Boss was in a bad mood. He chose to stay silent, hoping to not incur his wrath.

"Greg, where is everyone," snapped Granger. "I said to be back by four. Did they not think I meant it?"

"Boss, I'm sure they'll all be here in a few minutes," answered Greg. "It's not quite four yet." As if on cue men began to straggle in. It wasn't long before everyone was there, and the men were talking animatedly among themselves, sharing jokes and light banter. It came to an abrupt end at The Boss' first words.

"I do no like to be kept waiting!" Granger snarled at his men. "And when I am here to conduct business, I expect you to be ready to do that. I didn't call you here for social hour!" He watched as the men assembled around him and gave him their full attention. "Mr. Thomas will be in from Shreveport at 7:30 tomorrow morning to collect his order. We need to move it from here to the exchange site tonight. This is what's going to happen. I want the truck loaded and ready to go by nine. Once darkness falls, we head for the farm. Four of you will remain here to guard the rest of my stock. Everyone else will be at the exchange. Since you all seem to enjoy each others company so much, no one is to go anywhere else until this deal is over. Do I make myself clear?"

A random chorus of 'yes, sir' went up before the men turned to their tasks. As they moved away one of the men began to comment quietly to someone near him.

"Is this guy uptight or what?" he said, not realizing that Granger could hear him.

"What did you say?!" yelled Toby as he strode toward the man and jerked him around so they were face to face. The man was several inches taller than Toby and easily fifty pounds heavier. He looked down at him with an air of indifference before replying.

"Boss, you just seem a little uptight tonight. We're all grown men here. You don't need to treat us like kids." Toby nodded as he took a few steps back.

"I don't pay you to give me your opinion," Toby growled. Then without another word he pulled out a revolver and shot the man, who grabbed his chest as he fell to the ground gasping for air. Then Toby casually approached him and knelt down. "I guess now I don't have to worry about what you think of me." He stayed there and watched as the man drew his last breath. Then he stood and approached his lieutenant. "Greg, is there anyone else I can expect trouble from?"

"No, Boss," Greg replied anxiously as he looked at the man on the floor. "I'm sorry about that."

"I don't blame you, Greg," he stated. "Besides, it's always good to have one example with a new crew." Here he smiled at Greg, who was clearly unnerved. "I need to check on a few things. I trust you can get this mess cleaned up and see to the arrangements. If I'm not back by dark, go ahead and leave for the farm. I'll meet you there." With that he turned toward the door.

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The Ranger on the roof crouched low and out of sight, watching as Granger left the warehouse and climbed into his truck. Glancing down the street he saw a blue SUV pick up the tail, and then he cautiously made his way off the roof and back to his jeep. As he pulled into the street he took out his cell phone and dialed. When the other end was picked up he said, "Walker, it's Lyle..."

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Syd and Sam entered the Company B offices just in time to see Walker hang up his phone. He looked up at them then down at the paper in his hand as he stood up. Then he called for them and the guys to join him.

"How was the range, ladies?" questioned Jimmy.

"Fine," answered Syd. "Sam sure knows how to handle her weapon."

"We knew that the day we met her," stated Max.

"Thank you, Syd," put in Sam, "but I'm still not as good as you."

"I have a feeling this is going to turn into a contest about who can compliment the other best," cut in Walker with a smile, "so I'll just say I'm glad to hear you both did well. Now we have some business to discuss. Ordinarily, Sam, I couldn't let you be here, but since this concerns you I want you to stay. I just received a phone call from Lyle Perkins. He was tailing Toby Granger and had some interesting information for me. I can't tell you all the details, Sam, but I can say that we know he has a sale set up for tomorrow, and we're planning a bust to bring him down. For now, I want you to stay close to Sydney and in very public places. And, no offence, Syd, but since you're not up to 100 percent yet, I don't want you two alone overnight. But we can discuss that later. For now, head back to C.D.'s and stay in plain sight. I'm going to discuss the details with everyone else and we'll meet you there for dinner in a couple of hours."

"We'll see you soon," finished Gage. With that the ladies said their goodbyes and left.

"Now what are these details," queried Jimmy.

"Lyle tailed Granger to his main warehouse," continued Walker. "He managed to overhear the plans for a sale tomorrow morning to one Mr. Thomas from Shreveport. What he doesn't know is the location. Evidently Thomas is only purchasing part of what Granger has on hand. What he wants will be sent to the exchange site, the rest will stay at the warehouse."

"Wait a minute," exclaimed Jimmy, "Thomas of Shreveport? As in Arthur Thomas, wanted by the FBI for selling arms to major drug cartels all over South America? The Arthur Thomas that nobody can get charges to stick to?"

"We don't know for sure," replied Walker, "but that would be my guess. They're supposed to be moving the weapons to a farm somewhere, once night falls. We're going to put a tail on that truck and find out where the deal is going down. Then tomorrow we'll have simultaneous busts on both locations. With luck, we'll catch Granger as the notorious 'Boss' and get the elusive Arthur Thomas as well. We don't want to hit the warehouse tonight, in case Granger gets tipped off."

"Is someone still on him?" asked Gage.

"Yes," answered Walker. "What we do know is that he doesn't like to be near the weapons for long. He seems to stop in, give orders, and leave, unless there's a purchase involved. We also know that he's not afraid to do his own killing. Lyle saw him murder one of his own men today for saying he was uptight. He clearly doesn't like being challenged."

"So what do you want to do about Sam and Syd tonight?" questioned Max.

"I'm not sure yet. As long as there are other people nearby, they should be fine. So for now, Trivette, see what you can find out about this Thomas from Shreveport. Gage and Max, work together to find out what you can about the warehouse Granger uses and also where this farm might be. Here's the address for the warehouse. I'll make the arrangements for tomorrow. Let's get everything set up before we head out tonight." Then the guys went to their individual tasks.

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C.D.'s was mildly crowded that night when Walker and Trivette entered followed by Gage and Max. They were talking between themselves about the case as they made their way through the people to their table. They found Alex there, with Angela on her shoulder, and she smiled at her husband.

"Hi, Honey," said Walker after greeting her with a kiss. "I'm glad you joined us for supper."

"Thanks for calling me," she replied.

"Where are Syd and Sam?" queried Gage with concern.

"Playing pool," answered Alex as she pointed across the room. The men turned their eyes in that direction. Sam was on the near end of the table lining up a shot and Syd stood on the other end half leaning on a cue stick. She smiled and waved when she saw the guys, and told Sam they were there. Sam then turned to see them, at the same time letting her eyes scan the room. Gage and Max went to the pool table to greet them.

"Hey, Shorty," said Gage as he gave Syd a kiss. "How has the rest of your day been?"

"Uneventful," she replied. "We've been waiting for y'all to get here before ordering supper."

"You're not stressing your leg, are you?" he further questioned.

"No, Sweetie," she stated with a smile. "I'm being careful."

Walker was watching the four chat with a concerned look on his face.

"Honey, what's wrong?" Alex inquired.

"Did Syd tell you anything about what's been going on today?" Walker returned. At her negative response he gave her an overview of what had happened. "I don't want them alone tonight, but I can see them arguing over having to be with someone else."

Just then Erika approached the table. "Hey, Honey," she greeted Jimmy with a kiss. "Thanks for calling me to meet you here. How's your day been?" Jimmy proceeded to catch her up on the day's events. "So who's going to stay with them tonight?" Erika posed when he was finished.

"We were just discussing that," he replied as the four returned from the pool table. Their server approached and asked everyone what they wanted to drink as they sat down. Sam went behind the bar to help get the drinks, well aware of the fact that her friends continued to watch her. When she returned to the table she took the empty chair between Max and Syd.

"Is this ever going to be over, Walker?" Sam asked. "I hate that 'fish in a bowl' feeling. That was half the reason I left Houston."

"Hopefully by tomorrow, Sam," he stated. "How about you come out to the ranch tonight? We have plenty of room."

"As wonderful as that offer is, I couldn't in good conscience take you up on it," she returned. "If he does come after me, as you seem to think is likely, I would hate to be the one to put your family in danger. Are you sure it's necessary for Syd and me to have extra protection?"

"What's a little extra precaution?" put in Alex. "And we would be glad to have you. It sounds like he would be less likely to do anything with more people around. Why don't both you ladies come?" she finished as she extended the invitation to Sydney.

Suddenly, Max spoke up. "Y'all, door." Everyone turned to see Toby come in and survey the room. Sam unconsciously slid closer to Max, who deliberately draped his arm across her chair. Toby approached them, but did not bother with introductions, choosing to ignore the people she was sitting with.

"Samantha, can we talk?" Toby began.

"About what?" Sam replied.

"Privately, if you please," he continued in a low growl.

"I don't please," she stated. "Let me be plain with you, Toby. I have no interest in pursuing any kind of relationship with you at all. What would please me is if you would kindly leave me alone. I don't wish to see you or talk to you or have any contact with you. There is nothing you could have to say that would entice me otherwise. Now please leave."

By this time Toby was having a hard time controlling his anger. He grabbed Sam's arm and yanked her to her feet as he vehemently said, "I just want to talk!" He was shocked when he suddenly had four men grab him and forcefully separate him from Sam. Max got right in his face.

"The lady made her position clear. I suggest you go," Max intoned as he glared down at Toby.

"This is none of your business," Toby replied, glaring back.

Gage was standing right next to Max, wearing his own fierce look, as he put in, "You can leave of your own accord right now, or we can find a more painful way to remove you from this building."

Toby took in the determined looks of the four men in front of him, who were completely blocking his view of Sam. He straightened his clothes and called loudly around them, "Samantha, this isn't over by a long shot." Suddenly he was pulled to his toes by Walker.

"This is over," Walker stated as he held the man at eye level. "If you bother this lady anymore, rest assured, we'll see to it you end up in jail for harassment." Then he released him with a shove toward the door.

Toby snickered as he responded, "We'll see," before he turned on his heel and left. Once he was gone, everyone returned to their seats.

"Alright, Walker and Alex, I'll take you up on your offer," Sam said wearily. "I'll let Syd speak for herself."

"I'd love to come, too," replied Syd. Then the friends settled down to enjoy their supper.

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To be continued….